Sunday, February 3, 2013

What's going good...what is not

8 weeks is a long time to do anything. We are closing in at the half way point of this program and it is a good time to reflect on what is going well and what is going bad.

So starting this, I was most worried about the shear number of days that I would be going without things I normally eat and enjoy. Surprisingly, the days are going quickly and it is hard to believe we are starting week 5. I know that the thing that has enabled these days to coast has been my preparation. If anything has gone well these last 5 weeks it would be the organization and preparation that I have done to make this as easy as possible. Having compliant food at my ready disposal has made things so easy for me especially when days get busy and time to cook is minimal. Of course the preparation takes time, but it is well worth it and really helps me stay on track. Each week I get better and better at planning out my meals and getting everything bought and prepped in just one trip to the grocery story.

In addition to my awesome preparation ability, I would also say my battling of craving has been fairly successful. I just got back from traveling and the buffet that we had to eat at daily was filled with every dessert you can imagine. Ice cream, cookies, cakes, pies, brownies...EVERYTHING. I looked at it once and didn't really feel a strong urge to eat any of it nor did I feel like I was missing out on anything. I was a bit apprehensive when starting this challenge that I would have a lot of trouble with giving up sweets and having to deal with those cravings, but as long as I keep myself fed and satisfied, I don't miss the sweets at all.

What is going bad for me...

Going into week 5, I was expecting my energy levels to normalize. In fact, I was hoping that I would be experiencing the high levels of energy that everyone else in the group has been reporting on. Prior to the challenge, I was your typical morning person. To bed early and up early was normal for me, but lately, I am having a very hard time getting up in the morning, regardless of how early I go to bed. It is even worse when I work out at night. After taking away fruit this week, I felt even more tired and could easily curl up and take a nap at any point in the day. I am really hoping my energy levels return soon! I am not liking this sleepy person I have become.

I know as the weeks continue, the things that are doing good and the things that are going bad will change, but for the most part, things are going really well and I am happy with my progress!